Moving to a new city can be a combination of so many emotions including stress, exhilaration, confusion, and happiness. There are many reasons why people would want to move including a need for a change, a new job, to live near family, and many other reasons. But, before moving to a new city, there are many things to consider. There are questions that families should ask themselves before moving to a new city. Here are 5 questions to ask before taking that leap.

Is the neighborhood safe?

One of the most pertinent questions that you could ask yourself is if the neighborhood itself is safe. Moving to a new city and neighborhood means inheriting a community of people that you have never met or heard of before, some are great people and will become quick friends, and others may be a bit more unsavory. A good way to determine if a neighborhood is dangerous is to research it before moving there. Another great way is to possibly visit the neighborhood and chatting with neighbors, and drive around the neighborhood both during the day and night to get a feel for what the community is like.

Where exactly will you be living?

Any person can tell you that the beautiful pictures in tourism brochures and on city websites are not a great way to determine what the city that you might be living in is like. That’s not to say that those beautiful places are not in that city, but the actual quality of cities and neighborhoods vary. A good way to understand a city is to do research to find out how dangerous your new city is, what kind of national hot spots are there, and what the locals do.

What is the cost of living?

An opportunity for a new job is great. One thing to take into consideration though, is the cost of living in the new area. The new job may seem like an upgrade with an income increase, but it won’t make a difference if the cost of living is higher as well, which leads to less spending power with your income. Moving across the country can be exhilarating with change, but realizing that bills and grocery store trips are twice as expensive is not as much fun. Check the cost of living statistics before moving and compare them to your current area. An increase in cost of living should not necessarily be a deterrent, but living within your income is essential to success, so it is a good thing to take into consideration.

How are the schools?

One aspect of a new area that can be quite different than where you are living is the school systems. It is important to keep in mind that all of the opportunities available are limited to you; they need to benefit your entire family as well. Just as it helps with determining the safety of the city and neighborhood you’re planning on moving to, researching the school district and schools is a good way to determine if they are a good fit for you. Looking for a good school district and a good school for your children can mean a better moving experience for them as they make friends, interact with good teachers, and experience new things that can help shape their future.

Will you be happier in the end?

In the end, keeping a long-term focus on your family’s happiness should be the ultimate priority. Moving just for the sake of moving can be extremely frustrating and confusing for your loved ones, especially if you have children. There, of course, will be difficulties once you move and it will take some getting used to, but the real effects of the move will set in over time. Moving is a very large investment that takes time and deliberation. Relocating can be a challenge in life, but knowing your circumstances and what will ultimately make you and your family happy and successful is all that matters.